Tag: fcc
-
Has the 700 MHz Auction Been a Failure?
Abstract Promoted as the most important FCC auction in decades, it appears that the 700 MHz auction has been a failure on several fronts. We were promised private operator-public safety partnerships (for the D Block) along with a new nationwide wireless broadband network (Frontline Wireless’ initiative), open access for any device and any application (Google’s…
-
A Market-Based FCC?
The FCC released three studies regarding on the topic of licensed versus unlicensed spectrum. These could be very critical policy papers that shape the future of spectrum allocation and are important for Congress to read. Interesting timing, as their release comes during the 700 MHz bidding process. Of particular interest, is Working Report #43, which looks at the…
-
Leased Access Rates Cut
[Editor’s Note: Bob Primosch is a Partner with the communications law firm Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP, Washington, D.C. (rprimosch at wbklaw dot com)] Last week the FCC released new rules cutting the rates independent programmers must pay to lease channels on cable systems. Under federal law, cable systems must set aside up to 15% of…
-
Cable Requirements to Carry DTV Signals
[Editor’s Note: Bob Primosch is a Partner with the communications law firm Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP, Washington, D.C. (rprimosch at wbklaw dot com): I have heard that there may be some confusion over the FCC’s new viewability requirements for cable systems that carry DTV signals. This has nothing to do with multicast must-carry, which remains…
-
MDU Exclusivity
[Editor’s Note: Bob Primosch is a Partner with the communications law firm Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP, Washington, D.C. (rprimosch at wbklaw dot com)] The FCC recently voided all exclusivity clauses in service contracts between cable systems and owners of MDUs (the cable industry has already filed an appeal and asked for a stay of the…